Guarding Against Greed
By Noelle Dey
Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own. Luke 12:15 NLT
My Mom was a brilliant homemaker. She cut coupons, matched them with sale items, and by the time she finished her weekly shopping, the markets owed her money.
As a kid, I’ll admit that I didn’t appreciate her thriftiness.
When it was popular to wear Dolfins nylon running shorts, I wore Dolphins (notice the “ph” in my “Dolphins” as opposed to the “f” in the name brand “Dolfins”). The cool kids had Polo shirts, but I had a golf shirt with a man on a horse sans the polo stick. My Adidas-like shoes had four stripes.
How have things changed now that I’m the parent?
Let’s just say that the employees at Walmart know me by name.
Sound crazy?
My husband and I are far from perfect, but we strive to follow in my parents’ footsteps, guarding ourselves from greed. Thus far, our ten-year-old daughter is oblivious to her noname clothes. But when she catches on, we hope her wardrobe is overshadowed by the value of our strong marriage which is free from the stress of credit card debt.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Paul was referring to the law when he spoke of that slavery. But slavery has many faces. One of them is financial strain which arises from greed.
So, let’s guard ourselves. And if you’re interested in starting a club for people who wear off-brand clothes, may I run for president?
If you are living beyond your means, what practical steps can you take to guard yourself from greed? My friends and I swap magazines, cost-efficient recipes and clothes (don’t tell them I buy mine from Walmart).
If you have ideas, please leave a comment. Together, we can find financial freedom, strengthen our relationships, and have fun at the same time!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom we have in Jesus. Help us to live our lives free from the love of money, and to be content with what we have. Thank You for reassuring us that You will never leave nor forsake us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
For more encouragement, check out Noelle’s book Transformation by Truth: 30 days to a healthy heart, mind and body.
© 2020 by Noelle Dey. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Wednesday, 07 October 2020.
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